4 Places to Shop Local and Support Local Businesses in Botswana

The industrial revolution was the start of big businesses making our lives easier. Technology, transportation and communication all grew. New machines meant that more products could be made, and globally we started to become a consuming culture.

But in recent years there’s been an monumental return towards local manufacturing, and small businesses. It’s starting to be big business in Botswana. These independent shops, farmers, tailors, eateries and craftsmen are hard working people who contribute countless hours of time and energy to make their business survive.

When we as consumers give local businesses a good share of our wallet it’s not only the buyer and seller who benefit, but the whole community.

Introducing The Local Slice BW

The Local Slice is a social media movement designed to to create a nurturing culture for local products, services, entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives. Through their Facebook page, Insta feed and new Twitter page they share stories about products and services we need to know about. They are made in Botswana by Batswana!

Founder Thato Chuma used to share on her personal page about products that were locally produced. It started as a personal mission to encourage friends to buy in Botswana. But after encouragement from friends she and two partners started The Local Slice BW as a digital media page.

Her goal is to encourage people to see what Batswana entrepreneurs are creating.

What Thato and her team are doing is more than sharing photos of locally-produced products. She’s schooling entrepreneurs on the importance of being proactive and in control of their visibility.

As a digital marketing executive, journalist, artist, and entrepreneur running her own sound design business, she has learned a thing or two about being in business and shared her top tip to entrepreneurs.

“Be aggressive and take control of your business. Don’t rely on the government or anyone else to promote you. You’re the one who’s responsible for your product and making sure that it’s promoted to the right people.”

The Local Slice is well on its way to becoming an ecosystem; a vibrant business culture that is inclusive, and puts local businesses in the forefront. Watch for their upcoming market, currently slated for March 2019 in Gaborone. We wish them all the best.

Where To Find Locally-Made Products

Farmer’s Markets

Julia Farmer has been actively promoting local makers for years at her Farmer’s Market alongside selling her own natural produce. Anyone who is selling home-grown, home-made or locally sourced items is able to book a stall at her monthly markets.

Avani is committed towards supporting local makers. The Pantry stocks beautiful artisan breads they make in house alongside locally produced jams, honey, and more.

They’re a great place to purchase award-winning MuangoCraft jams and our personal favourite, ‘The Real Honey’.

Woolworths & Mr Veg

It’s important to note that the most progressive retail giants are recognising the need to buy and support local businesses.

Over the past few months Woolworths has made a shift towards sourcing more of it’s fresh produce from Botswana farmers. And these fruit & veggies are keeping up with the quality Woolworths is known to stand for.

And Mr.Veg, one of our favourite retailers for unusual veg , nuts, and even Indian delicacies, always stocks an excellent selection of local produce.

Mmamotle

One of the most creative shops to open in 2018, Mmamotle has created a powerful and authentic story to share with shoppers. Housed in a yellow shipping container at Molapo Crossing between the Pharmacy and the Skate Park, the shop stocks gifts, clothing, and packaged goods.

Right now they have a few products from other African countries, but their goal for 2019 is to become dedicated to showcasing products that are 100% Botswana owned.